A mother whose son shattered his foot jumping off a cliff today called for ‘tombstoners’ to carry out community service punishments.

Shane Smith sparked an expensive rescue mission after he jumped 30ft off a cliff near Portland Bill, Dorset, and landed in 5ft 6in of water on Friday afternoon.

The 18-year-old from Portland was airlifted to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester where a metal plate was inserted to fix three shattered bones in his right foot.

His mother Diane said anyone who takes part in tombstoning – jumping from great heights into water – should be punished.

Mrs Smith, from Portland, told the Dorset Echo newspaper: “I do agree it was a waste of time and I think that everyone who does get into trouble tombstoning should be made to do voluntary work for the police and Coastguard.

“They should see what they have to do to rescue people and how much it costs.”

Her son has been jumping off cliffs for 11 years but she said he has learned his lesson and will never do it again.

She added: “I would advise anyone thinking about it not to do it because it can end up being fatal.”

The stunt claims lives and causes injury every year across the UK and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has repeatedly warned people not to take part.

Last month, a 14-year-old boy in Plymouth, Devon, landed on rocks and was feared to have damaged his spine while Sonny Wells, 20, was left paralysed from the chest down after breaking his neck tombstoning.

Mr Wells, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, jumped about 30ft from South Parade Pier in Southsea into 3ft of water.

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said tombstoners could be punished inside harbours which come under the jurisdiction of Harbour Masters and council by-laws.

Police forces have also issued £80 fixed penalty notices to tombstoners in the past.

“Without such by-laws, the public can do whatever they wish to do,” the Coastguard spokesman said.

“There’s been numerous serious situations from tombstoners. All we can do is offer safety advice.”